ICD-10 Code H16.302 – Unspecified interstitial keratitis, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.302 – Unspecified interstitial keratitis, left eye
What it is
H16.302 identifies interstitial keratitis affecting the left eye when the specific cause is not documented. It refers to inflammation within the corneal stroma, not the surface epithelium.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include corneal haze or opacity, redness, pain, photophobia, and reduced vision. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents interstitial keratitis in the left eye but does not name an underlying cause or specifies it as unspecified. It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, or specialist notes that clearly localize the condition to the left eye. Check documentation if laterality is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use H16.302 for keratitis limited to the corneal surface, for right eye or bilateral disease, or when a more specific etiology is documented. If the record supports another corneal disorder, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and whether the provider documented a specific cause before assigning the unspecified code.